India's defeat in the Asia Cup final could not dampen the spirit of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's numerous fans, who cut a giant 27-pound cake to celebrate the ODI captain's 27th birthday here on Monday.
Several fans assembled at a busy market place under an overcast sky and laid out the cake with a photograph of Dhoni in the background.
Seeking to forget India's 100-run defeat in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka last night, the fans expressed hopes that it was just a matter of time before Team India would bounce back under its charismatic captain.
"Losing and winning are part and parcel of any game. Besides, we won the Twenty20 World Cup under him," said Sanat, a Dhoni fan.
"No doubt, a win would have added more grandeur to the day, but the day is no less important," said Chanchal Bhattacharya, who coached Dhoni at his formative age.
He said several fans had initially planned a grand celebration when the Lankans were reduced to 273 last night, little realising Ajantha Mendis' six-wicket haul would spoil it all.
Bhattacharya said Dhoni could be in the town on Tuesday or day after.
{{/usCountry}}Bhattacharya said Dhoni could be in the town on Tuesday or day after.
{{/usCountry}}Extending his greetings to the birthday boy, Chief Minister Madhu Koda wished the cricketer all success.
Dhoni's parents went to Deouri Temple, about 45 km from here to offer puja on the occasion.